Anatomy of a Tooth
Bone Structure
The Jawbone and Alveolar Bone: Teeth are anchored in the jawbone, with the lower bone called the mandibular and the upper bone referred to as the maxillary.
Root Attachment: Each tooth's root firmly attaches to these bones, ensuring stability.
Tooth Parts
The Crown: The visible part of the tooth within the mouth.
The Root: Hidden in the gum, connecting the crown to the bone.
The Neck: The junction where the crown and root meet.
Layers of a Tooth
Tooth Composition: A tooth consists of several layers.
Enamel: The outermost layer, a hard and shiny substance, among the toughest known.
Dentine: Situated beneath the enamel, this softer bone-like layer encases the tooth's core.
Nerve Canal (Root Canal): At the tooth's centre, this canal houses nerves and blood vessels.
Causes of Dental Pain
Infection: Dental pain often results from infections affecting the tooth's root canal, leading to swelling.
Dental Abscess Formation
Apical Foramen: The very bottom of the root contains a small hole known as the apical foramen.
Abscess Development: Dental abscesses occur when the root canal becomes infected, causing pressure to release through the apical foramen.
Tooth Support
Shock Absorbers: Tiny fibres act as shock absorbers, holding the tooth in place and reducing jaw trauma during chewing.